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Officials support renaming Virginia Beach post office after mass shooting victim

Posted at 2:44 PM, Jul 08, 2019
and last updated 2019-07-08 14:44:56-04
<p class="wp-caption-text" id="caption-attachment-723037">Ryan Keith Cox, Virginia Beach victim

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. – The Princess Anne Post Office may be getting a new name.

U.S. Sens. Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine sent a letter to the Chair and Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Government Affairs, the Senate Committee that oversees the United States Postal Service, voicing support for renaming the Princess Anne Post Office after Ryan “Keith” Cox.

Cox was a long-time public utilities employee who sacrificed his own life to save others during the mass shooting at the Virginia Beach Municipal Center.

Faces of the Virginia Beach mass shooting

“One person’s sacrifice has emerged as a testament to the capacity of the human spirit to embody courage and selflessness in the face of unspeakable fear and confusion. Mr. Ryan Keith Cox was a public utilities account clerk who worked with Virginia Beach for 12 years. Described as ‘an angel of protection’ by one colleague, Mr. Cox disregarded his own wellbeing to usher seven colleagues to safety in the midst of the shooting. Instead of barricading himself as well, Mr. Cox continued seeking others in need of assistance. He died heroically in the process and is remembered lovingly for his kindness, positivity, and beautiful singing voice,” wrote the Senators.

To pay tribute to Cox’s heroism, Rep. Elaine Luria introduced bipartisan legislation supported by the entire Virginia delegation to rename the post office, located at 2509 George Mason Drive, in his honor.

“Naming the Princess Anne post office after Mr. Cox would be a fitting tribute to honor his memory and sacrifice. We are proud to offer our support for this bill, and appreciate your consideration of this legislation,” concluded the Senators.

Last month, Sens. Warner and Kaine secured their resolution of honoring the 12 victims of the Virginia Beach shooting, as well as the first responders and city officials who have supported the community in the wake of the tragedy. Rep. Luria introduced a companion resolution in the U.S. House of Representatives.

A copy of the letter can be found at this link.

Click here for our full coverage on the Virginia Beach mass shooting.